Page 94 of Devil's Bride

How did I explain how things worked in this world? “Because millions of dollars and people’s lives are at stake.”

Frowning, she blinked several times. I could tell her brain cells were whirling around what I was telling her. “So you’re a little like Joan of Arc.”

I spit out laughter. “I don’t know about that, but I appreciate you thinking of me that way.”

“You’re like a badass, Genie. You’re one tough lady. Like Xena, warrior princess. Where’s your sword?”

“You’re overblowing my power, girlie.”

Her lips hardened with determination and she folded her arms. “No, I’m right. You never give yourself enough credit. You’re strong and wise and you never allow anything or anyone to get to you. I hope to be like you one day.”

She could have no idea how much her words meant to me, especially now. “I don’t want you to be like me, Bella. Be you. Be the most fabulous version of you that you can be.”

Bella squinted at me for a few seconds, assessing what I’d told her. “I would prefer to be you. Bella is boring and still a child. Bella is lonely and unlovable.”

Her words struck me so hard. “That’s not true, sweet sister. You are the brightest star I’ve ever known. Trust me, your light is what everyone wishes they could have and hope to be. Now, go take your place. I’ll be right there.”

She gave me another look, giggling when she noticed the tip of my boots sticking out from under the satin and lace.

“What? I told you I was going to wear them.” I lifted the dress from the floor, exposing my glorified combat boots. “They’re comfortable. If Jago doesn’t think they’re sexy, tough. I don’t care.”

“Oh, they’re sexy. They’re perfect for you. That’s why I adore you.” She backed away, twirling in the dress she’d chosen.

The wedding dress had been left at the store in the melee, brought by courier only a few hours later. I’d watched as the poor young man had been grilled, searched to the point of being roughed up and interrogated again. I’d admonished Jago for not giving him a huge tip.

At least he’d tried to make it up to me, contacting two fabulous women’s clothing stores to bring several racks of dresses for Bella to choose from. I’d snagged a couple myself since everything I’d grabbed from my father’s house had been business attire or jeans. Plus, he’d refused to allow me back at the house to gather anything else.

I grabbed her by the shoulders, pulling her toward the mirror someone had provided, the ancient piece surrounded in the most ornate gilded wooden frame. My sister’s eyes were blue like mine, only a shade lighter that allowed her more of an ethereal appearance while mine were more turbulent, much darker and haunted. A storm was brewing inside me. I could feel it.

“You’re a beautiful young woman and I’m so proud to call you my sister,” I told her.

“I love you, sissy. Just remember you like him,” she said.

“He’s… acceptable.” I laughed as another vision of him floated into my mind. Only this time, the image was of his scarred back. The horrible story hadn’t been embellished. Jago wasn’tdramatic in that way. I’d sensed the continued pain buried deep inside him, even though he was a master of hiding everything but rage.

“He’s dreamy.”

She would think so.

Bella blew me a kiss before walking out of the room. As soon as she did, I headed toward the window, slumping against the wall. The church was lovely, but just looking out the thick glass and seeing the soldiers parading the grounds and streets made me angry.

Furious.

Weddings were celebrations, not invitations to a shooting range.

But I’d been warned. I’d been trained. I knew the possibility of what to expect and instead of fear, there was a strange eagerness furrowing within. Perhaps Jago’s anger had rubbed off on me. I closed my eyes, feeling the turbulence growing. Soon, there would be no way to push down the feelings or the needs.

Maybe I enjoyed the act of violence more than I’d realized.

The slight creak immediately drew my attention and I fought with the long skirt to grab one of two weapons I had strapped to my leg.

Hearing the dark chuckle caused me to snap my head up. At least my hand was already wrapped around the same knife I’d used to… kill a man.

“Jago. You should learn to be more careful. You almost became target practice.”

“Maybe I should go out and come back in. I’d enjoy seeing how accurate you are.”

“Very accurate. You need to trust me on that.”

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